Leith Walk PBSA

High-spec 342-bed student development in central Edinburgh, featuring BREEAM-led MEP design, DSM thermal modelling, and CO₂-based hot water.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this 342-bed student accommodation scheme combines performance-led engineering with modern comfort. March Consultants Ltd provided MEP design across all disciplines, delivering a fully electric, BREEAM-compliant solution tailored to high-end student living.

Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) was used to eliminate the need for comfort cooling, while CO₂ heat pumps provide highly efficient hot water generation. The PV array was designed to optimise on-site consumption while maintaining BREEAM compliance and minimising export. A streamlined electric heating strategy and smart load management further reduced the building’s operational carbon impact.

This project demonstrates how performance modelling, low-GWP refrigerants, and lean design integration can deliver a low-energy, regulation-compliant building without compromise—setting a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation in the capital.

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Title: Leith Walk PBSA

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Client: Firethorn Trust

Architect: Manson Architects

Structural Engineer: Etive Consulting

Progress House PBSA

Fully electric MEP design for a 544-bed student scheme, delivering EPC A performance, operational savings, and virtually zero reliance on fossil fuels.

Progress House is a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme comprising 544 beds across multiple blocks in Coventry. March Consultants Ltd was appointed to deliver full MEP design services with a focus on long-term sustainability, energy efficiency, and capital cost optimisation.

A fire-engineered natural smoke ventilation system was used to eliminate the need for a generator or UPS, reducing both capital outlay and maintenance costs. Domestic hot water is delivered via ultra-low GWP CO₂ heat pumps, supporting a fully electric strategy and achieving an EPC A rating. Space heating and cooling in commercial areas is provided by high-efficiency VRF systems, while meticulous coordination enabled a dual sprinkler network across residential and non-residential demises.

The result is a future-ready student living environment, designed to minimise carbon, reduce lifecycle cost, and simplify ongoing operations.

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Title: Progress House PBSA

Location: Coventry, England

Client: Gilltown

Architect: GDL Architecture

Structural Engineer: Westlakes Engineering

Villiers Square - Travelodge

Sustainable All-Electric Hotel MEP Design: A high-performance, all-electric MEP strategy incorporating VRF heat pumps, solar PV, and smart building management systems to enhance energy efficiency and guest comfort while reducing carbon emissions.

Adjacent to the commercial block at Villiers Square, this new Travelodge is set to provide visitors with comfortable, affordable accommodation in the heart of the Isle of Man. Designed with both guest experience and sustainability in mind, the hotel will offer easy access to local amenities and a shared outdoor space that connects it to the wider development.

March Consultants Ltd is developing the MEP strategy to ensure high energy efficiency while maintaining a reliable, cost-effective operation. A VRF heat pump system will provide zoned heating and cooling, allowing individual rooms to be conditioned based on occupancy, reducing energy waste while enhancing comfort. The lighting strategy will integrate LED technology with intelligent controls, optimising energy use while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

The all-electric infrastructure will eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with evolving sustainability regulations and reducing long-term operational costs. A sophisticated Building Management System (BMS) will continuously monitor and optimise heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting, ensuring smooth operation with minimal energy waste. Further supporting the project’s sustainability goals, a rooftop solar PV system will contribute renewable energy to the hotel's electrical demand, reducing grid dependency and lowering carbon emissions.

The Villiers Square Travelodge represents a modern, energy-efficient addition to the Isle of Man’s hospitality sector. By incorporating low-carbon technologies and intelligent building systems, the development aims to demonstrate how sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand, delivering long-term benefits for both the operator and guests.

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Title: Villiers Square - Travelodge

Location: Douglas, Isle of Man

Client: Tevir Group

Architect: 56Three

Structural Engineer: Structura

PQS: Bell Burton Associates

Fire Engineer: Innovation Fire Engineering

Villiers Square - Marker & Promenade Buildings

BREEAM-Certified, Future-Ready Commercial MEP Design: Delivering flexible commercial and retail space with a fully electric, low-carbon MEP strategy designed to meet BREEAM certification. Featuring intelligent building systems, solar PV integration, and optimised HVAC solutions, the development prioritises sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term adaptability.

The Villiers Square Marker and Promenade Buildings will introduce flexible commercial and retail space to the heart of the Isle of Man. Designed to create a vibrant, energy-efficient business hub, these two new blocks will share a landscaped outdoor space with the adjoining Travelodge, providing a welcoming communal area for tenants, visitors, and the wider community.

March Consultants Ltd is delivering an eco-friendly, low-carbon MEP strategy that balances sustainability with practical operational needs. A VRF heat pump system will provide efficient heating and cooling, allowing each unit to have independent climate control while minimising energy consumption. High-efficiency LED lighting with smart controls will enhance lighting quality while reducing running costs.

A sophisticated Building Management System (BMS) will monitor and optimise HVAC, lighting, and other building services in real time, ensuring smooth operation under landlord management. The system is designed for seamless handover, enabling tenants to take control of their own energy usage upon occupation. The all-electric infrastructure removes reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with the Isle of Man’s decarbonisation goals while improving long-term energy efficiency. Solar PV panels will further contribute to the building’s sustainability strategy, generating renewable electricity to offset operational energy demand.

Villiers Square Marker and Promenade Buildings will set a new standard for modern commercial development on the Isle of Man. With an adaptable design that prioritises comfort, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, the scheme offers future-ready workspaces for businesses looking to operate in a sustainable, low-carbon environment.

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Title: Villiers Square - Marker & Promenade Buildings

Location: Douglas, Isle of Man

Client: Tevir Group

Architect: 56Three

Structural Engineer: Structura

PQS: Bell Burton Associates

Fire Engineer: Innovation Fire Engineering